February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

According to the CDC, teens often think behaviors like teasing and name-calling are a “normal” part of a relationship, but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence.

• Nearly 1 in 11 female and about 1 in 15 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year.
• About 1 in 9 female and 1 in 36 male high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.

Unhealthy or violent relationships can have severe short- and long-term effects on teens. For example, youth who are victims of TDV are more likely to:

• Experience symptoms of depression and anxiety;
• Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol;
• Think about suicide.

This month, we strive to bring awareness to teen dating violence prevention. Here are some resources to help:



• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
• Love Is Respect
• Break the Cycle
• Dating Matters

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can be reached 24/7 by phone at 866-331-9474 or by texting LOVEIS to 22522

Spotlight on Project SAGE

Project Sage & TDVAM

To mark Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Project SAGE held two awareness-raising actions in February. First, we printed 1,000 "Know Your Worth" stickers and distributed them to teens in public and private middle and high schools throughout our catchment area. These long-wearing vinyl stickers not only remind teens that they are worthy of healthy relationships, but they also provide Project SAGE's contact information for anyone who might want to speak with an advocate about their relationship. Upon distribution, the stickers immediately began appearing on laptops and water bottles throughout the Northwest Corner -- maybe you've even spotted one yourself?

Project SAGE also held the first Teen Take Back the Hike, an inclusive hike co-sponsored by the Kent Land Trust and Marvelwood School. About 20 students hiked the Skiff Mountain South trail (complete with an impromptu snowball fight) and then met for cocoa, smores, and a debriefing discussion about how boundaries and consent play key roles in all types of relationships even when doing simple, everyday activities. How, for example, do you know it's OK to throw snowballs at someone? How can you stay out of the game if it's not your thing? What skills can we build around asking for consent and granting or refusing it that can be expanded from friendships into other types of relationships? A good (and educational) time was had by all, and we look forward to partnering with Kent Land Trust and Marvelwood School again in the future.

Project SAGE is hiring!

We are looking for a full-time Family and Child Advocate to join our client services team as we work to end interpersonal violence. This diverse portfolio includes support and advocacy services for children and non-offending parents, including crisis intervention, safety planning, activity groups, networking with other social service agencies, and advocacy for accessing support systems.

Please see the complete job posting here: 

https://project-sage.org/employment

Events

Resource Roundup

VIDEO GAME

In honor of TDVAM, One Love is excited to share their newest mobile app, Cadence Ford! Travel back in time to uncover what caused a rift in the small town of Cadence Ford. This educational video game, created in collaboration with iThrive Games and Playmatics, empowers youth with the skills and knowledge to help a friend in an unhealthy relationship. To learn more about the game and how you can share it with youth, click here: Cadence Ford

TIP SHEET

In relationships, we can either focus  on running from what we fear -- "running from the bear" -- or running toward what we want. Recognizing relationship problems and challenges ("the bears") is important because that tells us when to get out or get help. However, knowing what to run toward in a relationship is also critically important. The tips on this sheet are a start to that conversation. 10 Green Flags for Relationships

ARTICLE

After 20 years undercover as a special agent in the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, Nikki Badolato is ready to tell the real story of human trafficking and underage sex crimes. Read about it here: FBI Infiltrator

PODCAST

This two-part podcast episode highlights TDVAM through discussions with two women—one who experienced dating violence as a teen and one who is working with youth to help them navigate the college dating scene safely. Listen here: Love Shouldn't Hurt, Part 1

Love Shouldn't Hurt, Part 2

VIDEO

Stalking is 1 of the 4 crimes under the Violence Against Women Act. How does it relate to intimate partner violence? This short video from SPARC highlights some of the major intersections. How Does Stalking Relate to Intimate Partner Violence?

VIDEO

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has released two new educational videos about sextortion - a form of child sexual exploitation where children are blackmailed by a person who has obtained nude or sexual images of them. Designed for middle and high school students, these videos help identify red flags, barriers, and ways to get help. Watch here: Stopping Sextortion

CALLING ALL CARS!

Due to our rural setting and lack of public transportation, cars are a critical need for many of our clients.



Make a life-changing difference by donating your car to Project SAGE.

Click here for more information.

A big thanks to Art’s Automotive Repair for partnering with us on this important program!

Discover All the Ways You Can Support Project SAGE!

Click the link below to make a one-time gift or join our Monthly Leadership Circle.